UAE Foreign Trade Minister Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi has stressed the importance of both UAE and Portuguese private sector, which reflects on the trade and economic ties of the two countries. Sheikha Lubna made the remarks here today at the ministry, while receiving Portuguese State Minister for Tourism Cec?lia Meireles in the presence of Portuguese Ambassador to UAE Jimmy Van Zeller Laitau. She called for adopting new methods to increase the trade exchange, which does not match the level of economic potential of the two countries. The trade exchange between the UAE and Portugal stood at $193 million in 2011 at the growth rate of 39 per cent compared to year 2010. The UAE minister referred to the significance of continuous visits of the economic and trade delegations, and exchange of information on investment and trade opportunities, as well as participation of the Portuguese Companies at the exhibitions hosted by the UAE to market their products. For her part, the Portuguese minister hailed the economic development being witnessed by the UAE in all fields, adding that the Portuguese businesspersons were interested about the UAE economy and attending the exhibitions being held at the UAE.